All Roll Calls
Yes: 247 • No: 128
IndianaSB 199Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)SenateWALLET
Various education matters.
Sponsored By: Jeff Raatz (Republican)
Became Law
education and career developmentthe houseeducation
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Stricter reading retention for third graders
Beginning with 2024–2025 reading tests, a grade 3 student who still does not pass after two summer retakes must be retained in grade 3, unless another exception in law applies. Students take the state reading test in grade 2 and keep taking it until they pass or enter grade 7. In schools where at least 50% of grade 3 students are English learners, the school may register to exempt an English learner who does not pass from retention until the start of the 2027–2028 school year. That English learner exemption ends July 1, 2028. Reading plans must use science‑of‑reading materials and include parent consultation. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.
Extra reading supports in low-performing schools
Schools that meet the law’s three‑year low‑reading threshold must use department‑approved science‑of‑reading curriculum, hire trained instructional coaches, use only approved benchmark tests, and use the state’s procured screener. One coach training rule ends January 1, 2026; another coach requirement applies after June 30, 2025. Subject to available funding, these schools must also join the Indiana literacy cadre for professional development. The Department of Education must buy a preferred universal screener for these schools. These rules start July 1, 2026.
More transparency on teacher prep programs
Teacher preparation programs must post annual data on attrition, retention, completion, GPA ranges by subject, and counts of candidates who fail a licensure exam and do not retake it. The Department publishes average licensure exam scores, average attempts to pass, and first‑attempt pass rates. The Department and Commission create and publish a three‑year matrix rating, set a minimum rating, and each year by July 1 send under‑performing programs for follow‑up action. The Department must approve at least two CHEA‑recognized accreditors and may act as an accreditor. An outside, evidence‑based review of reading instruction in teacher prep programs was required by December 31, 2024.
Statewide K-2 screening and approved tests
Beginning July 1, 2026, elementary schools must give the state universal screener to all K–2 students. K–2 tests must focus on early reading skills aligned to Indiana standards or be a universal screener that meets accuracy and support requirements; math-focused K–2 tests must align to state math domains. The State Board approves two or more benchmark or interim tests, and schools that choose an approved test can get grants or reimbursements up to the test cost. Before approval, vendors must sign a data‑sharing agreement, and screener vendors must give easy‑to‑read score summaries to students and parents. The state cannot lock in a single vendor for K–7 benchmark or similar tests, with a narrow exception in law.
Review low-enrollment college programs and accreditors
Beginning July 1, 2026, a state college must seek approval to keep any degree program that averages too few graduates over the last three years (fewer than 10 associate, 15 bachelor’s, 7 master’s, 3 education specialist, or 3 doctorate) or meets the federal low‑earning definition. If approval is denied, the school must close the program and cover related costs. By December 1, 2026, the Commission must evaluate current accreditors, look at innovative and alternative accrediting options (including some not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education), and report findings to the legislature. This review authority ends July 1, 2027.
New parent appeal panel for school rules
Parents can refer a disagreement with an association’s rule decision to a state panel within 30 days. The panel gathers input from the association and the parent, hears the case, and issues a written decision within 10 business days after the meeting. The association must carry out the panel’s decision for that student’s case. The nine‑member panel is chaired by the Secretary of Education, includes four parents, meets monthly (with quick meetings for urgent athletic scheduling), and follows set quorum and voting rules. The association pays all panel costs, travel, and at least a $50 per‑meeting stipend for members. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.
Science-of-reading curriculum for all K-8
Schools must provide a core reading program based on the science of reading for all students in kindergarten through grade 8. This requirement begins July 1, 2026.
One education rule removed from code
The law voids 511 IAC 13‑1‑1(b)(6) and directs its removal from the Indiana Administrative Code. This directive expires July 1, 2027.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jeff Raatz
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Jake Teshka
Republican • House
Joanna King
Republican • House
Linda Rogers
Republican • Senate
Robert Behning
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 404 on SB0199.06.ENGH.CCH001
Yes: 62 • No: 32
Senate vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 310 on SB0199.06.ENGH.CCS001
Yes: 34 • No: 14 • Other: 2
House vote • 2/17/2026
Roll Call 266 on SB0199.05.COMH
Yes: 67 • No: 28 • Other: 2
House vote • 2/16/2026
Roll Call 243 on SB0199.05.COMH.AMH002
Yes: 38 • No: 52 • Other: 5
Senate vote • 1/29/2026
Roll Call 138 on SB0199.03.ENGS
Yes: 46 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Public Law 120
3/5/2026SenateSigned by the Governor
3/5/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/27/2026HouseRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 404: yeas 62, nays 32
2/27/2026HouseRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 310: yeas 34, nays 14
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateRepresentative Teshka removed as advisor
2/26/2026HouseCCR # 1 filed in the Senate
2/26/2026SenateSenator Walker K added as conferee
2/26/2026SenateSenator Hunley removed as conferee
2/26/2026SenateCCR # 1 filed in the House
2/26/2026HouseRepresentative Smith V removed as conferee
2/26/2026HouseRepresentative Teshka added as conferee
2/26/2026HouseSenate dissented from House amendments
2/19/2026SenateHouse conferees appointed: Behning, Smith V
2/19/2026HouseSenate advisors appointed: Yoder, Rogers
2/19/2026SenateSenate conferees appointed: Raatz, Hunley
2/19/2026SenateHouse advisors appointed: King, Teshka, DeLaney, Klinker, Pfaff
2/19/2026HouseReturned to the Senate with amendments
2/18/2026HouseMotion to dissent filed
2/18/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 266: yeas 67, nays 28
2/17/2026HouseAmendment #4 (DeLaney) prevailed; voice vote
2/16/2026HouseAmendment #2 (DeLaney) failed; Roll Call 243: yeas 38, nays 52
2/16/2026HouseAmendment #3 (DeLaney) failed; voice vote
2/16/2026House
Bill Text
Engrossed Senate Bill (H)
Engrossed Senate Bill (S)
Enrolled Senate Bill (S)
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Senate Bill (H)
Senate Bill (S)